Another new challenge comes in the shape of a Channel 4 documentary about cross-dressing ex-Premier League footballer Ryan Chelford (Ben Batt), which alleges the BBC rejected Ryan as a potential pundit on Match Of The Day because of his unconventional private life.

Bonneville said the show has been so popular because viewers can identify with the characters and situations.

He said: “Some people misconstrue it as a satire about the BBC. It’s not, any more than Twenty Twelve was a satire about the Olympics.

“It’s actually just a framework for seeing characters who are, on the whole, incapable of achieving what’s in their job description.

“Some of the characters are idiots, some are endlessly doing battle with idiots – and I think we can all identify with those situations, whether we’re on the fundraising committee for the village cricket pavilion or in President Trump’s cabinet.”